Newcomers lead Wolves past Houston

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Jan 20, 2013 at 9:27 am

MINNEAPOLIS,, Minn. (KNSI) Chris Johnson and Mickael Gelabale signed 10-day contracts with Minnesota on Saturday morning, then scored the first 23 points of the fourth quarter to lift the Timberwolves to a 92-79 victory over the slumping Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Johnson, signed from Santa Cruz of the NBA Development League, scored 13 of his 15 points in the fourth. Gelabale, a forward who arrived from France on Thursday, had 10 of his 11 points in the final 12 minutes to help the injury-plagued Wolves snap a five-game skid.

James Harden scored 18 points on 5-of-18 shooting for the Rockets, who have lost seven straight games. Houston shot 32 percent and committed 20 turnovers in another lethargic effort that had coach Kevin McHale scrambling to find anybody who could give them some energy.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the situation tell The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves have received permission to interview Memphis Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger for their head coaching opening. Read More...